Billy Palmer

by Ronald Zastre

  “Yes, I understand Manny.” Wendell looked out to the street with a vacant look. “It was wrong of me to infer—”

  Manny detected a faint smile forming on Mr. Gutteraz’s face, his attention still focused on the street.

  Poor old man, his memories are all that keep him going. Manny watched the old man, thinking of how to extract himself from the situation. I feel so bad for this old guy, I hate to just up and leave.”

  A very faint sound from the street caused Manny to shift his gaze, looking under the tree, out to the blacktop. I thought I might have heard children playing, but there’s no one there.

  The old man chuckled, causing Manny to look back at him. Mr. Guterraz had a broad smile on his face and a sparkle in his eyes.

  I heard it again, children out there, playing. Manny looked intently to where he thought the children should be. But, there’s no one there.

  “Do you hear them?” Mr. Guterraz asked.

  “Who?” Manny asked, slightly spooked. “What’s happening here?”

  “There, in the street, my daughter and her child, they are there.” Mr. Guterraz pointed out under the tree. “They want you to see how beautiful they were. They know you were a friend of Billy’s and they want you to see them. Look, Manny, look hard and you will.”

  This crazy old coot is batty for christ sakes. He’s scaring the shit out of me.

  “Listen Manny, do you hear them?”

  “Them, I can’t believe thi—” Manny sat up suddenly, straightening in his seat.

  “There Manny, there, they want you to see them.” The old man’s voice was soothing and mesmerizing.

  Manny stared intently, listening.

  Something’s out there, I can hear so—. My god, that’s got to be just the heat!” Manny exclaimed, staring at the street, watching something.

  “No Manny Anderson, that is Billy’s wife and child. He would want you to do this for him. The man to see is Detective Sergeant Albright. He has an office downtown, I’ll get his number.”

  *

  Manny left Wendell Guterraz’s humble home, shook up. At first, driving in the rental car, he tried and tried to dispel what had happened. His first line of defense was his reputation for being realistic. He was a Sagittarius and although he personally dismissed most of the heavy sales pitch attached to the practice of astrology, he did use the personality traits of his sign to his advantage. It was easy and convenient to attribute his aloofness and individualistic qualities to his sign, without having to explain his actions. Being a Sagittarius, being the explorer, complimented his mystic. Cassey knew what he was up to, and that made it all the easier.

  Manny was a realist and as hard as he tried to pass the incident with Wendell off as unexplainable, or the product of a tired, over imaginative mind, he kept coming back to the fact that he had been there, and he had witnessed something very strange.

  Wendell either enticed me to see what he wanted, or there really was a phenomenon in that street.

  After driving around aimlessly for nearly an hour, Manny found himself cruising slowly along a street next to the ship channel leading from the port of San Diego to the Pacific Ocean. It was getting dark and the fog was rolling in, advancing from seaward. Manny parked the car and got out, breathing in the salty, damp air. The moisture laden atmosphere quickly surrounded him, the entire car already coated with a thick, wet layer of condensation.

  So many different places in this world. Manny took in a deep breath. All this water, but it doesn’t smell like any lake and I’m used to that.

  Manny walked toward the ship channel. He could hear the buoy bells clanging, but could barely see some lights out over the water. By the time he had gotten as far as the side walk running along the channel, only smell and sound remained, the fog was so thick.

  Guterraz you old bugger, what happened back there? Did you do something to me or was it real? I should be angry or scared, but I’m not. You set me up you old shit, and now I have to find out.”

  Manny stood motionless, many thoughts going through his head.

  In the jungle it’s so dark you can’t see a thing so your eyes are worthless, so you must use the other senses. It is not the kind of situation that you can afford to be out of touch with your surroundings. Tainer’s words suddenly popped into his head.

  *

  At five the next morning, Manny was standing in the same spot, having spent a restless night in his hotel room. The fog was still there, as heavy as it had been when he left the night before. He had been memorizing the sounds and the locations and now they were familiar to him.

  He stood quietly analyzing each sound, forming a picture in his mind. As it began to get light he strained to see, but the fog still shrouded everything. His first visual were the rocks running from the sidewalk down into the mist toward the sound of the lapping water.

  Patience, Manny, patience.

  A small black object between two rocks was a blob, indefinable, until it moved. When it did, it became a crab. The colorless, pulpy substance near it became seaweed, long after Manny had first smelled it. It was minutes before the water gurgling in between the rocks was recognizable, but as it did, Manny already had an image in his head and knew what to expect. The sound of the waves farther out were no surprise, they looked just as they had sounded. Each object, moving farther and farther out from him, a buoy bell, a small ship heading out to sea, only the running lights showing. Then a much larger ship that he could hear pushing through the water, he knew what they would look like before he could see them.

  As they came into view, the sky was getting lighter and the fog thinning. Manny, for the first time in his life was getting familiar with his surroundings. He had become one with this little part of the world. Then he realized he had experienced the calmness, the confidence, the thrill before. Occasionally, when everything was gelling, everything clicking, everything going his way; he felt this on the golf course. Manny never before surmised exactly why he loved the game so much.

  Thank you Wendell, I owe you one.

  *

  Manny drove from the ship channel into downtown San Diego with a calm determination. Manny was at the police station early and waiting for Detective Albright as he arrived. The desk Sergeant indicated Manny to the Detective and Albright walked over.

  “What can I do for you first thing in the morning?” The detective asked, somewhat suspicious.

  “You were an investigator in the Palmer homicides, a few years back?”

  “One of them, what’s your interest?”

  “Billy Palmer, the father, was a friend of mine.”

  “Rough deal, he ever get over it?”

  “I don’t know, he never mentioned it. He died a month ago, and I’m taking up the cause. Boy, do I sound pushy.”

  “And, what cause is that?”

  “The man that murdered his family was a fraud.”

  “Most murderers can fit that bill.”

  “This Eddy Crane, was, is getting Vet benefits, illegally.”

  “Not according to the VA, he’s not, illegally, I mean. They bought his story hook line and sinker. Who told you all this?

  “Mr. Guterraz.”

  “Nice man, how is he doing?”

  “He’s doing, but he misses his daughter and granddaughter. Not much left that late in life. Too late to start over when it comes to a family.”

  “Yeah, I guess it would be.”

  “You investigated Mr. Crane’s service record and found none.”

  “I’m not at liberty to discuss the matter.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “We’re a government agency, same as the VA.”

  “Look, Detective, I know you tried to do something concerning Mr. Crane; and I can surely realize it wouldn’t be difficult for one segment of the government to make it difficult for another segment, to make waves.”

  “You understand a lot Mr. . . ?”

  “Anderson, Manny.”

  “Well, understand this Manny. I w
as sick when I found out about it all, and I was going to do something about this fraudulent pension, but I was instructed to drop the case. It was over, the man was sentenced, and the file was closed.”

  “I understand, makes sense to me. Give me the information I need and I will pick up where you left off.”

  “Impossible.”

  “Nothing is impossible. There are certain things that need to be done, and I will see this accomplished, with or without your help. I was hoping there would be some satisfaction for you in knowing that I was so determined. Believe me Detective Albright, it will get done. I’m staying at the downtown Radisson, room four-one-eight. Thank you for your time Detective.”

  “You know that nice old man is getting you to do this for him?”

  “I do things of my own accord.”

  “My colleague thinks Mr. Guterraz is a warlock. He can make people see things. What did he get you to see, Mr. Anderson?”

  “The need to do something,” was all Manny said as he turned away from the detective. Manny didn’t want the cop to see the cold sweat and shivers that had overcome him from the detective’s comment about Wendell’s control.

  Manny had a message waiting for him when he returned to the hotel. It had an address for Yuma, Arizona and nothing more.

  Chapter 20

  Manny rented another car and drove east from San Diego, arriving in Yuma just as the sun was setting. Hopefully the detective gave Manny the location of Eddy Crane.

  Manny was surprised as he sat in the rental car, parked next to a school, looking at the house supposedly owned by Eddy Crane. It was a surprise that a multiple murder should be able to reside in such a nice neighborhood, and be able to live in a fine house like the one he was looking at. My god, how some people manage to come out smelling like roses no matter what they do.

  “I guess, being housed and fed for seven years, while on the full dole, adds up,” Manny said to himself, disgusted.

  Manny sat in the car for half an hour, mostly watching the beautiful desert twilight. When it was fully dark he started the car and drove off, deciding to get a motel and some sleep. He wasn’t sure what he’d do in the morning.

  *

  At first light, Manny was back at the address, this time driving past the Crane residence. The garage door was up, and he saw a dark pickup inside.

  “Well, bingo!” Manny said to himself because the name on the mail box said E. Crane.

  Manny drove by the house and went down the street, a ways, and was turning around when he saw the pickup back out of the garage and into the street. Manny hurriedly drove up behind the truck and honked.

  “Are you Edward Crane?” he asked as he pulled alongside, his driver’s side window next to the open passenger window of the truck.

  “Who’s asking?” Edward Crane was old and mean looking, dressed in dirty unkept clothes. It’s hard to tell his physical stature sitting there in the truck, but the hands are skinny and weak looking.”

  “I am!” Manny announced. The frailty of this man doesn’t seem the least bit intimidating to me.

  “Leave me alone!”

  “Then I assume ‘that’ you are Edward Crane?”

  “Assuming the wrong thing can get you in trouble Mister!”

  “Is that a threat?”

  “Leave me alone Mister. I’m not going to tell you again!” Crane said, starting to reach under the seat of the truck.

  “I would assume; someone with your record would not consider having a gun under that seat. Talk about trouble!” Manny surprised himself. He wasn’t sure if it was seeing just an old man, or the things this guy had done that was driving him to be so bold, but it was working. Eddy Crane sat up straight, putting both hands back on the steering wheel.

  “Now, I’m looking for Edward Crane, I’m interested in his story.”

  “What story would that be?”

  “I’ve heard the Edward Crane I’m looking for is a highly decorated veteran. That he was dealt some injustices in his life, that same Edward Crane.”

  “I served my country with valor, and they took no responsibility for what they did to me.”

  This guy has some balls, either that, or he’s been lying so long he really believes it.”

  “If that’s what you’re wondering?” Crane continued, taking the bait.

  “Then you might be the Edward Crane I’m looking for?”

  “Might be, might not. What have you got for the right Edward Crane?”

  “A chance to hear his story told correctly, and maybe some monetary gain.”

  “You got a driver’s license, something to tell me who you are?”

  Manny hesitated, not wanting this man to know who he was, where he lived. I should have planned this out better, but I’ve got Crane’s ear, and I don’t want to lose this opportunity. Manny took out his driver’s license and handed it to Crane through the window of the pickup.

  “I think it is a shame the way the returning vets were treated,” Manny said quickly, while reaching out for his license back. “I think they should be compensated, as much as possible, don’t you?” he stated, as Crane gave him the license back. Manny was relieved because Crane didn’t seem to look at the license long, just matching Manny to the photo.

  “That war was really terrible for me,” Crane whined.

  Manny’s spine shivered because Crane sounded like a spoiled little girl.

  “I can’t get over what they made me do. I had to do a lot of killing. It was real hard on me. I haven’t been right since then. Can’t sleep right, it’s just terrible what they made me do. I can’t get over the babies I had to kill. I remember this one little girl, it was so awful. I suppose you know about my problems, but none of it was my fault after what I had to do. They owe me.”

  “Yes, Mr. Crane, I don’t doubt you deserve something far different than what you’re getting now. Good day, I’ll be in touch.” Manny stepped down hard on the accelerator, wanting to put distance between himself and this disgusting man.

  Chapter 21

  Manny was at the computer working diligently, when Cassey entered the room.

  “What’s got your total attention, I’ve never seen you work so hard?” Cassey asked.

  “I’m working on a letter to the VA. I just got off the phone with Senator Blake. I informed him off the discrepancy regarding this Edward Crane’s disability claim.

  “Manny, isn’t this getting a little overboard?”

  “This guy murdered Billy’s wife and daughter.”

  “But you might be getting too involved, don’t you think? Besides, you said this guy was a nut. Do you really want him in your life?”

  “He’s not going to be in my life, I just want to right a wrong.”

  “Things have a way of happening, Anderson,” Cassey lectured. “I just think you should leave well enough alone.”

  “The guy killed Billy’s wife and kid.”

  “You already said that! I don’t see what this is going to accomplish for Billy?”

  “Lucy’s father told me this guy was, and still is, collecting full disability payments from the VA, and was never even in the service.”

  “Manny, how can that be?”

  “Remember that book I wanted you to read, the Stolen Valor one.”

  “I read a little. It was boring and I couldn’t finish.”

  “But you got the gist of it, right?”

  “I guess, but there are a lot of books on this theory or that. Doesn’t mean that they have any validity.”

  “Lucy’s father gave me the name of the detective that worked the case and he verifies that this guy, Edward Crane, was never in the service. This guy’s lawyer got him off with an insanity plea using his VA records which classified him as suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome, brought on by his service in Vietnam, which the VA refuses to acknowledge never happened. I want the VA to correct the issue.”

  “Manny, this guy kills people, and you are going to do what to him?”

  “We p
ay taxes, and I’ll be damned if I am going to stand by and see this sort of injustice. Damnit, this lying sack of shit destroyed Billy’s happiness, and then uses the very system that was put in place to help guys like Billy. It’s an injustice of unparalleled magnitude, and I’m going to do something about it.”

  “I thought it was supposed to be us that did the horrible thing to Billy? Now you’ve conveniently found someone else to pass the blame to. This Billy escapade you’ve take on, don’t you think it might be moving into the excessive stage? You might want to consider that,” Cassey scolded. “Also consider, this guy is dangerous, and you’re talking about screwing him, big time. I don’t know Manny, I thought this was a harmless diversion for you, but it’s taking on a life of its own. I don’t want my life complicated. I’m really quite happy, you know. Don’t ruin that for me Manny. I will never forgive you, I promise.”

  “I’m going to be careful Cassey. I just need to do this. I don’t want this sort of thing happening, and no one doing a thing about it.”

  “Why doesn’t this father do anything, it was his daughter and granddaughter?”

  “He’s old and tired and losing his family did him in. He had very nice things to say about Billy, really misses him.”

  “Billy stayed in touch with him?”

  “I guess, sporadically, but according to Mr. Guterraz, that’s the father, Billy and his daughter had a good relationship and cared deeply for each other. Wendell says that the life went out of Billy when she was murdered. Remember, he lost his little girl too and I guess he was very close to her. Jennifer was her name, here’s a picture of them both.” Manny took a photo he had in with his papers and handed it to Cassey.

  Cassey took the photo and looked at it for a long time. “Why did you do this to me?” Cassey finally said, sounding very sad.

  “Do what?” Manny asked, looking up from the computer.

  “Emotionally blindsided me with this?” Cassey said, holding out the picture, still looking at it.

  “I don’t get what you’re saying?”

  “I don’t know how to explain it, I, uh, I just can’t explain it. This picture is so profoundly sad. Not the picture, I mean. It’s a beautiful picture.” Cassey looked intently at the photo. “These are two beautiful people.” Cassey pointed to the photo. “But they’re dead.” Cassey said nothing, just stared at the photo, silently. After about a minute, she said with reverence. “And I never got to meet them.”